Getting to Know You is a 1999 American drama film co-written and directed by Lisanne Skyler, in her feature directorial debut. It stars Heather Matarazzo and Zach Braff, in his first leading role.
Contents
Cast
Heather Matarazzo as Judith
Zach Braff as Wesley
Michael Weston as Jimmy
Bebe Neuwirth as Trix
Mark Blum as Darrell
Bo Hopkins as Officer Caminetto
Tristine Skyler as Irene
Sonja Sohn as Lynn
Chris Noth as Sonny
Mary McCormack as Leila Lee
Jacob Reynolds as Lamar Pike, Jr.
Leo Burmester as Lamar Pike, Sr.
Kevin Black as Brady
Celia Weston as Bottle Lady
Tom Gilroy as Jimmy's Father
David Aaron Baker as Dr. Clarke
Richard Bright as Elderly Man
Richard Alliger as Blackjack Skeptic
Jonathan Hogan as Trix's Friend
Production
The film is based on several short stories by Joyce Carol Oates. Four actors, including a well-known TV actress, exited the project in the 10 days before filming began. The film was shot in Asbury Park, New Jersey, with principal photography wrapping in October 1998. It was produced by ShadowCatcher Entertainment and Search Party.
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. It was also screened at the 56th edition of the Venice Film Festival, in the Venice International Film Critics' Week sidebar.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 90% of 10 critics' reviews are positive. Elvis Mitchell described the film as "the kind of independent movie that tests the system, because it's missing the cramped, high-concept, low-budget pushiness that makes many small films the bargain bin equivalent of studio pictures", and praised the director, whose "patience and skill reveal themselves in a number of small, gratifying ways". Variety's critic Glenn Lovell referred to the film as "exceedingly well-crafted and performed".